Written question asked by Roseanna Cunningham (Scottish National Party) on Thursday, 26 March 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 April 1998. It was answered by Henry McLeish (Labour) on Thursday, 2 April 1998 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will comment on the consequences of the judgements in Mackay v PF (Linlithgow), 1998, SCCR:790 and PF (Glasgow) v Milligan, unreported; and if he will list the categories of offence affected by the problem identified in these judgements. - (Holding answer 1 April 1998).

Answer: Ms Roseanna Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the consequences of the judgments in Mackay v. PF (Linlithgow), 1998, SCCR:790 and PF (Glasgow) v. Milligan, unreported; and if he will list the categories of offence affected by the problem identified in these judgments. [37233] Mr. McLeish: [holding answer 1 April 1998]: The judgments may affect any crime prosecuted on summary complaint, including: assault; sexual crimes; dishonesty; drugs offences; and driving offences including disqualified dangerous and drunk driving. The hon. Member will be aware that a Bill was introduced to the House yesterday in order to address the implications of the High Court's judgments.

Secondary information